Many local governments have more trees than inhabitants. On their website, it says that the municipality of Amsterdam has 1 million trees, of which 300.000 are maintained by the municipality, standing in gardens, parks, and the street. They even have a tree map (https://maps.amsterdam.nl/bomen/ ) , where data is brought together and you can locate the tree and learn about their size and type. Amsterdam knows exactly how many trees they have in their area, how old and healthy they are. These trees are inspected regularly, in terms of their well-being and safety for others. There is even a municipal tree policy. At a national scale, today, the third Wednesday of March, we celebrate a national tree day.
As VNG International, we observe a global movement of greening policies, which go hand in hand with the Sustainable Development Goals and climate agreements. At local level the green transition also includes tree planting. Of course trees have multiple purposes serving a healthy, food secure and economic favorable environment. Five years ago, we started the Governance of Inclusive Green Growth in Cities programme, by planting trees in the city of Kumasi in Ghana, and now we are enjoying a similar ceremony in Arua City and Koboko, in Uganda. Today, our director Pieter Jeroense, programme manager Anne-Marie Tosserams, and resident programme manager Sam Ejibua, joined the Mayor of Koboko Town Council- Dr. Sanya Wilson, some community elders, the south Sudanese refugee association and other governmental representatives in the tree planting within the framework of the Sustainable Development through improved Local Governance programme.
Together we planted about 20 trees, all symbolizing values we hold dear within this programme, like collaboration, inspiration, commitment, harmony, leadership and inclusion. In doing so, we set a new standard, whereby exchanging gifts cannot be confused with only personal appreciation, but highlights the community welfare. Moreover this shared activity opens up space for dialogues on how to maintain a sustainable, healthy and prosperous working relationship. So let’s plant some more together!
